Have you ever tried Speed Networking?

About the concept (From Wikipedia):

Speed Networking is a method of meeting business contacts. Primarily, the practice involves multiple people that gather in a single space in order to exchange information. Participants greet each other in a series of brief exchanges during a set period of time. During an interaction, attendees share their professional backgrounds and business goals. Networkers are generally seeking exposure to new markets and/or to expand their pool of vendors.

Speed networking is often referenced as a derivative of speed dating , the round-robin approach to meeting potential suitors first developed by Rabbi Yaacov Deyo in the late 1990s. Speed networking, a more recent concept, arose from the combination of speed dating and business networking and is thought to have started in the United States and, perhaps, simultaneously in the United Kingdom. Speed networking was first utilized during the US economic downturn of the early 2000s and began rising in popularity as the decade drew to a close. Although the techniques for speed dating and speed networking can be similar – individuals paired or grouped together for the purpose of introduction – the practices differ in their end goals. Speed daters are trying to narrow down their choices by eliminating the unsuitable; conversely, speed networkers are trying to broaden their connections by increasing their exposure.

Speed networking can be based on one of three models: meeting random attendees sequentially in a round robin, meeting with specific people based on preassigned match ups (the first two models are one-on-one), or a third assembly-based model where individuals speak to a preselected group. Most speed networking events begin in the style of a more traditional meeting: an open room for mingling. Following this open forum, during which drinks or food may be served, the event can be called to order by the host who explains the structure of the event, which differs slightly based on the available models (see above). In general, speed networking events all have time limits placed on the interactions and a moderator that will time and announce these intervals. In addition, if the speed networking model calls for specific movements of participants (to a preassigned table or group, for example) then the moderator would also facilitate these details.

A Refreshed Version - ONLINE Speed Networking

After attending a few of these events, I thought of creating a rendition of speed networking that encompasses online Face-to-Face video, with profiles and private chat. 

An online version of speed networking will not replace real face to face networking but what it does offer over conventional networking is:

• Convenience: to speed network from the comfort of home or simplicity of the office
• Reducing the Barrier of Entry: Some attendees are apprehensive (or shy) about standing in front of a stranger.  This web version gives them a chance to try it out first.  Combine a web version with a second invitation to a real event, and the attendee can try it out first.
• Greater Reach through Online Connectivity: Introduce an audience to a web community of networkers and give them the tools to promote the event.  This gives them the ability to communicate with a broader reach, with each other online, share profiles, connect people together.

THIS IS MY TEST CONCEPT

How it works:

1) Register here
2) The system will email you directions to the live event and a remind you before the event starts.
3) Arrive at the event lobby website. Introduce yourself to others in the group while you wait for the event to start. You can also create your own profile, insert some resume information and photo. View other attendee profiles as well to see who might be attending.
4) When the live round robin begins, we will automatically match you with someone. Communicate one-on-one with them using audio/video and/or just chat. Share your professional backgrounds and business goals. Make new contacts in Calgary.
5) When you are done, click NEXT and we will pair you with the next person.

That's pretty much it. The process is very simple to use.

If it's not for you, just close your browser, but please let me know first... This is a work in progress.

If the concept proves to be useful, and functional, I will move this venue to its own speed networking social network.

Please try it out

Try it out and let me know how I can improve the experience. Your thoughts? Please leave your comments by clicking the comment link at the top of this post.